Over the past few years Jason has uncovered damning evidence of the lies, counter lies, cover-ups, denials used not just by T&N and its successors, but by the other major asbestos producing firms and their ‘friends’. He has also uncovered many disturbing issues about the involvement of the medical profession, journalists and politicians, nationally and locally, who have defended and supported the asbestos industry.

In particular Jason referred to Julian Peto, whose work is frequently quoted today. “In a friendly handwritten 1977 letter to a T&N senior manager, Julian Peto boasts of being shouted down at a meeting and accused of being “a capitalist lacky”. This suggests a bond of camaraderie between the cancer scientist and the asbestos corporation in a way that dismissed the concerns of the general public.”

Jason backed his opinion by showing us documentary evidence.

“Another document is a 1993 transcript, drafted in a pre-digital age, of a national BBC radio broadcast about health concerns regarding asbestos in the environment. Julia Peto’s opinions were clearly expressed – he believed that there was no risk from asbestos products in buildings. He suggested that such claims were scientifically unfounded and “hysterical.” Such opinions remain exceedingly useful to those denying liability for environmental asbestos exposure. Similar claims are still being made in today’s chrysotile asbestos industry.”

He also highlighted how the pro asbestos lobby claims that the anti- groups are ’emotional’ ‘alarmist’ and that the issue is ‘yesterday’s problem’. We were told that T&N, even had a paper drawn up listing ‘Key points’ to be used to counter any arguments put forward, publicly, by the anti-asbestos groups.

Our Japanese Colleagues

Following Jason’s presentation we heard from two of the Japanese delegation, and their heartfelt stories. We were told that, of 178 teachers known to have died recently from mesothelioma, only 5 have been compensated.

Mrs Kahoru Udagawa gave her story. She was followed by Mrs MiyukiNomura, a member of the Hokuriku Branch. Her husband died of mesothelioma in 2013 at the age of 47 as a result of exposure to asbestos during temporary construction work when he was a student.

We learnt, again, that we have the same issues, the two ladies giving similar stories as any widow to asbestos would tell here in the UK.

Sarah Walters then read the winning poem from our competition, which is printed within this newsletter.

Our thanks go to all who participated in this.

Artwork Installation of The Reflection Rose and paper Dollies

There was a display of ‘Paper Dollies’ by Rachel Carter. The paper dollies were arranged inside a r

eplic

a of the DAST Reflection Rose. There were 209 paper dollies representing the number of people helped and supported by DAST last year. This was well received.

Thanks go to all who attended the event and to the ‘William and Mabel Morris Trust’ for helping to fund the event and to all our volunteers who helped out on the day as well as sharing their story with the media. Something that is so important in raising awareness. A big thank you to you all.

Action Mesothelioma Day Round up

Thank you to everyone sponsoring a ‘paper dolly’. We raised a fantastic £2,132 from the sponsorship of dollies plus donations on the day. Amounts raised for Mesothelioma UK, June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund and the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research fund totalling £894 have been sent to the respective organisations.